The Bengals have done a good job of acquiring talent from both Clemson and LSU over the years. Two of the Bengals best players are from LSU, in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. They also have three former Clemson players on the roster this year. Tee Higgins, Myles Murphy, and Barrett Carter all played their college ball for Clemson.
On Saturday night, the LSU Tigers will go on the road to face the Clemson Tigers in a battle of two top ten teams to begin the season. Both teams are loaded with NFL-caliber talent again this season. The game takes place on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
First, we will take a look at some of the draft-eligible prospects for LSU that could be potential targets for the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals have done a good job of investing in offensive linemen for the 2025 season. Dalton Risner recently signed a one-year deal at right guard. Lucas Patrick also signed just a one-year contract with the team. Jalen Rivers could earn a starting role at the position going into next year. Even if they think he is the future at right guard, they should look to continue adding depth at the position.
One prospect for LSU at right guard is Josh Thompson. Thompson is a transfer from Northwestern. He allowed only eight total pressures during the 2024 season and did not allow a single sack. He is effective blocking on the move and should be a mid-round prospect next year.
Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones are both entering their third seasons of their four-year rookie contracts. The Bengals could look to add another slot wide receiver in the 2026 draft.
Aaron Anderson is an ultra-talented prospect as both a slot receiver and a weapon in the return game. He stands at only 5’8” but is thickly built at 188 pounds. He also plays much larger in contested catch situations than one would expect. He is a player who can make guys miss in the open field with excellent speed and lateral agility.
On the defensive side of the ball, LSU has a pair of intriguing linebacker prospects in Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins. Both players have excellent range, athleticism, and blitzing ability. They each suffered injuries during the 2024 season. Perkins suffered a torn ACL in week four last year. Weeks was injured during the bowl game, sustaining a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula. They are both expected to play on Saturday night, but it will be worth watching to see if they look like the same players they have been in the past.
Cam Taylor-Britt is entering the final year of his contract this season. The Bengals could be in the market for a corner after the season.
Mansoor Delane is a transfer from Virginia Tech to LSU this season at the position. He is a physical player on the outside. He allowed only a 47.2% completion rate against him last season for the Hokies. Delane also showed off his ball skills with four interceptions on the year.
The Clemson Tigers have more draft talent than any other program in the country this season. There are several intriguing players for the Cincinnati Bengals to be scouting on Saturday night.
The Bengals still have some question marks entering the season about the interior pass rush from the defensive tackle position.
Clemson has arguably the best player in college football at defensive tackle this year in Peter Woods. Woods is a 6’3” 315 315-pound wrecking ball. Not only is he physical, but he is a prolific first-step off the snap. He has enough athleticism at that size that he played on the edge for a majority of his snaps in 2024. This season, he should be back playing more on the interior of the defensive line. He will likely be a top ten draft selection. With the Bengals picking 32nd after a Super Bowl victory, he will not be available.
T.J. Parker is another defensive line prospect for Clemson. Parker is a defensive end. He produced 57 tackles, 11 sacks, and a ridiculous 6 forced fumbles in 2024. Parker also has an opportunity to be a top-2o overall selection.
Avieon Terrell, the brother of Falcons corner A.J. Terrell, is one of the best cornerback prospects for the 2026 draft. He doesn’t have the best size, but he reminds me of Trent McDuffie. He is physical in run support and plays a lot bigger than his listed size.
Other draft-eligible prospects of note for Clemson include Cade Klubnik (QB), Antonio Williams (WR), Blake Miller (OT), Walker Parks (OG), Tristan Leigh (OT), Ryan Linthicum (OC), DeMonte Capehart (DT), Will Heldt (DE), Wade Woodaz (LB), and Khalil Barnes (S).
Prospects of note for LSU include Garrett Nussmeier (QB), Nic Anderson (WR), Barion Brown (WR), Braelin Moore (OC), Patrick Payton (DE), Ashton Stamps (CB), and AJ Haulcy (S).
Several Bengals players will be rooting on their former teams in this game. Who do you think will pull out the victory on Saturday night?
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